Laserfiche WebLink
Councilmember Heineman replied there is liability that City has discretion to regulate what is said <br /> and filter what the City thinks is appropriate at any level is a set up for failure. He didn't know it <br /> was included in the 2018 policy as he wasn't around then. He stated in looking at the policy, <br /> Communications and Events Coordinator Thorstad raised a good point that things could be posted <br /> that the City wouldn't like but if they are going to monitor what is appropriate and what isn't,they <br /> will open themselves up to liability. He stated if the goal is to point people to the website, having <br /> dialogue as a part of the site may not be congruent. <br /> Councilmember Howell commented she concurred with Councilmember Heineman that it might <br /> be better to turn off the comments altogether and focus on information versus engagement to avoid <br /> having to monitor comments. She stated the other section she wasn't in support of was the section <br /> regarding managing employees and agents use of social media. She thought the regulation of <br /> speech was inappropriate. <br /> Mayor Kuzma commented that he was in support of turning off the comments. <br /> Communications and Events Coordinator Thorstad replied one of the reasons why commenting is <br /> allowed is because a part of the strategic plan is to engage with residents. She thought that is an <br /> important feature and in her experience in the role it hasn't been a major issue. She stated there <br /> are several scenarios where this policy only governs the City of Ramsey's Facebook page. It <br /> doesn't have anything to do with community forum pages, employees or elected officials speaking <br /> as private citizens. She stated employees and officials agree to this when they sign a personnel <br /> policy stating they will behave in a professional manner that reflects positively on the City. She <br /> stated the intent behind this policy is to ensure that is followed on social media. <br /> Mayor Pro Tem Riley replied he thought they all agreed it has good intentions. <br /> Councilmember Specht commented he disagreed that comments should be turned off. He thought <br /> the interaction added value. Being able to tag friends on photos, ask questions and get answers, <br /> and give feedback. He supported making a list of things that are prohibited but thought that <br /> removing comments would show a fear of getting feedback or receiving comments. <br /> Councilmember Musgrove asked if it was correct that Communications and Events Coordinator <br /> Thorstad stated this policy pertains to a certain website. She asked if part of the change to the <br /> policy include specifically naming what sites those are. <br /> Communications and Events Coordinator Thorstad replied absolutely. <br /> Councilmember Howell asked if employees and agents are already addressed in the Personnel <br /> Policy why isn't another policy created regarding articles written or letters submitted to the editor. <br /> She didn't understand the need for redundancy. She felt it was aimed at limiting speech. <br /> Councilmember Heineman gave a scenario and asked if he was right on it. The scenario was that <br /> he agreed that a City Councilmember shouldn't go on to the Ramsey City Facebook page and give <br /> an opinion about something because that is acting in an official capacity. However, if he decided <br /> City Council Work Session/May 10, 2022 <br /> Page 6 of 32 <br />